Providence, RI asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island

Q: My girlfriend bought a dog with her check... I paY for shots..tk 2 vet The dog has my last name. I do all. Who owns?

Oh I do all walks,,feed...dog loves me.. Now she threatens to leave to California take the dog.. Who owns the dog? My last name, all vet all care but sge bought it

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
Answered
  • PROVIDENCE, RI
  • Licensed in Rhode Island

A: Pets are considered property. Even though the dog has your last name, she is most likely the owner. However, having contributed to the dog's care, you may have a right to reimbursement unless it is construed to be a gift. If you had written an agreement regarding these payments, that would be most helpful. Since she wants to go to California, perhaps you will offer her some money to allow you to keep the dog, and help her get there.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.